Comprehensive Overview of Global Coal Types and Specifications
With Focus on Thermal and Coking Coal from Russia, Nigeria, Iran, Australia, and Indonesia
Coal remains one of the world’s most strategic energy and industrial raw materials. It is primarily classified into two main types based on application and properties:
1. Thermal coal (steam coal) – used for power generation and industrial heating.
2. Coking coal (metallurgical coal) – used in the steelmaking process.
Each coal-producing country offers unique characteristics in terms of calorific value, ash content, sulfur levels, moisture, and volatile matter. These variations impact pricing, applications, and market preferences.
🔶 Thermal Coal (Steam Coal)
Thermal coal is mainly used in power plants, cement factories, and boilers. The key desirable parameters include high Gross Calorific Value (GCV), low ash, and controlled sulfur content.
✅ Russian Thermal Coal
Russia, especially the Kuzbass and Yakutia regions, produces high-GCV thermal coal with competitive sulfur levels.
GCV (ARB): 5500–6800 kcal/kg
Ash: 10–14%
Sulfur: 0.3–0.8%
Moisture (Total): 8–12%
Volatile Matter (VM): 25–32%
Fixed Carbon: 45–55%
Size: 0–50 mm or as requested
Application: Power plants in Turkey, Europe, and Asia
✅ Indonesian Thermal Coal
Indonesia (Kalimantan, Sumatra) is one of the largest exporters of low-ash, low-sulfur coal with flexible shipping options.
GCV (GAR): 3800–6300 kcal/kg
Ash: 4–10%
Sulfur: 0.2–0.6%
Moisture (ARB): 12–18%
Volatile Matter: 30–35%
Application: Ideal for countries needing lower emissions (India, China, Philippines)
✅ Australian Thermal Coal
High-quality thermal coal from Queensland and New South Wales is globally in demand due to its consistency.
GCV (ADB): 5800–7000 kcal/kg
Ash: 8–14%
Sulfur: 0.4–0.7%
Moisture: 6–10%
Volatile Matter: 25–30%
Application: Widely used in Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia
✅ Iranian Thermal Coal
Iran produces medium- to high-energy coal mainly from Tabas, Kerman, and Damghan.
GCV: 5000–6500 kcal/kg
Ash: 9–13%
Sulfur: 0.8–1.2%
Moisture: 6–10%
Application: Domestic cement plants, limited regional exports (Pakistan, Iraq)
✅ Nigerian Thermal Coal
Nigeria’s thermal coal (from Enugu and Kogi mines) is emerging in African and Middle Eastern markets.
GCV: 5200–6200 kcal/kg
Ash: 8–15%
Sulfur: 0.6–1.2%
Moisture: 5–9%
VM: 28–32%
Application: Cement plants, power projects in Africa, Middle East
🔷 Coking Coal (Metallurgical Coal)
Coking coal is used to produce coke, a vital material in steel production. Key properties include low moisture, low ash, high fixed carbon, and high coke strength.
✅ Russian Coking Coal
Russia offers hard and semi-soft coking coal with high CSN and low sulfur.
CSR/CSN: 5–9
GCV (ARB): 6800–7800 kcal/kg
Ash: 9–11%
Sulfur: 0.4–0.7%
Moisture: 6–9%
FC: 60–70%
Application: Blast furnaces in Turkey, Eastern Europe
✅ Australian Coking Coal
Australia is the global leader in exporting hard coking coal (from Queensland).
CSR: 55–65
Ash: 8.5–10.5%
Sulfur: Max 0.5%
Moisture (ARB): 7–9%
VM: 18–26%
GCV (ADB): up to 7500 kcal/kg
Application: Global steel producers (Japan, Korea, India, EU)
✅ Indonesian Semi-Soft Coking Coal
Indonesia supplies semi-soft coking coal with lower coke strength, suitable for blending.
GCV: 6000–6800 kcal/kg
Ash: 8–12%
Sulfur: 0.4–0.9%
Moisture: 10–14%
CSR: Low to Medium
Application: Blending in coke plants
✅ Iranian Coking Coal
Limited but useful reserves of metallurgical coal (mainly semi-coke) are found in Tabas.
GCV: 6000–6600 kcal/kg
Ash: 10–14%
Sulfur: 0.7–1.3%
VM: 22–26%
Application: Local steel and smelting units
✅ Nigerian Coking Coal
Nigeria’s deposits, still under development, show promise for steel-grade coal.
Estimated GCV: 6200–6800 kcal/kg
Ash: 8–13%
Sulfur: Less than 1%
FC: Moderate
Application: Potential for future steel projects in West Africa
✅ Conclusion
Whether sourcing for a power project, a cement kiln, or a steelmaking furnace, understanding coal specifications from different countries is essential.
We offer expert support in sourcing, logistics, and analysis of a wide range of thermal and coking coal from Russia, Indonesia, Australia, Iran, and
Nigeria – with guaranteed quality, competitive pricing, and timely logistics.
varnatejaratcoaliran